Whether serving the agency, foster parent, vulnerable adult, or child; all of our initiatives are designed to share Jesus and the joy He brings to the one who feels forgotten.
With state budget cuts, agencies struggle to meet the physical needs of the families they are serving. As the Body of Christ, we can lighten their burdens through smaller, one-time projects, such as the collection of diapers, school supplies or first aid kits.
“We gave away some diapers today and the investigator was very excited about being able to help. It is so nice being able to just help as opposed to searching and searching for a way to find some assistance. Thanks much.” Social Worker, DCFS Champaign County, IL
Children enter foster care with little or nothing to call their own and though many times relatives step in to help, they often find themselves both financially unequipped and physically unprepared to care for these children. If these relatives are not licensed as foster parents (as in most cases), they are not eligible for full financial reimbursement from the state and this process alone can take months to complete. Sadly and all too often, this financial burden proves to be too much causing children to be moved to new foster homes.
Children often come into foster care with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Journey Bags are backpacks filled with personal items for them to use when they are abruptly taken out of their homes.
"I presented each child with their OWN special journey bag and YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS CHRISTMAS!! They were SO excited and so patient as they watched each other pull out all of the awesome stuff in each bag. They just kept saying thank you miss Molly, thank you. The mom left the room with tears in her eyes and it was a reminder why I do the work I do. It's crazy to see how something so small such as crayons or Spiderman soap can be so big to a child in need. Thank you for all that you do!!"
Molly, DCFS worker: Bloomington, IL
When young adults age out of the system, they often are unequipped to set up their homes. Welcome Home Baskets are filled with household items designed to help them begin living independently. Our prayer is that these baskets will be a stepping-stone into building community for these vulnerable young adults.
After children are removed from their homes, they often wait for hours in agency rooms until a foster home is located. Project Sunshine was birthed out of a desire to create friendly spaces for kids during this dark time in their lives. With every room makeover we complete, our prayer is that children will know how very special they are.
“Working with TFI was a great experience! It is awesome to see so many people in the community come together and make the world brighter for some very special kids!”
Fawn, Project Sunshine volunteer: Peoria, IL
TFI believes in developing ongoing relationships with the agencies we serve. Beautification Teams provide cleaning and maintenance to these rooms on a monthly basis.
Many children and vulnerable adults (VA’s) affected by the foster care system want to know that their life matters. TFI Mentoring provides the opportunity for members of the Body of Christ to show these children/VA’s that they are loved and valued. Relationship building, tutoring, or even job/life skill training can make a significant difference in the life of someone who feels forgotten.
Foster families face unique challenges and sometimes feel alone, misunderstood, or simply would enjoy a helping hand or a friend who will listen. Families Serving Families (FSF) is an opportunity for Christian families to intentionally reach out to foster families in their community on a monthly basis (or more)
Foster Parenting is a challenging journey that can leave one feeling discouraged and alone. Foster Parent Support is an effort to bring encouragement and support to those serving in the trenches as well as educate and equip those interested in learning more about the foster care community.
"Our agency is so grateful for TFI. From the decorating of the visiting rooms to the journey bags to the first aid kits and mentoring, each of these makes a big difference in the lives of the children we serve."
Allison, Licensing Supervisor/Adoption Specialist: Center for Youth and Family Solutions: Bloomington, IL
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